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Me_Again's avatar
Me_Again
Explorer III
Oct 06, 2016

Chicken or egg/Truck or trailer - which came first

There was a recent post on choice of a new truck and trailer that got closed.

So here is my confession!


(^)Truck before trailer:

We had a 1993 Dodge RAM W250 and bought a Terry 26' 5th wheel. Weights were fine.

I then purchased a 2001.5 Dodge RAM 2500 4x4 with camper option and optional 265 tires. Weight were still fine.


(v)Trailer before Truck:

I then purchased a 2005 Cardinal 29WBLX.

Weights were pushing the trucks limits!


(^)Truck before Trailer:

I then purchased a 2015 RAM 3500 4X4 SB CC SRW.

Weights were again fine.


(v)AND THEN I purchased a Bighorn 3575el with a GVWR of 16K, dry pin weight of 2435 and 39'4" long.

Weights are ok, however I have to watch loading.

So to the OP in that thread, I say "buy a little more truck than you need, and maybe one that will also handle your next trailer also!"

You have a clean sheet of paper that you are working on, so get it right. Chris
  • RustyJC's avatar
    RustyJC
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2016
    The best advice I ever got was to buy the truck for the NEXT 5th wheel - which will certainly be longer and heavier.

    Rusty
  • ramgunner's avatar
    ramgunner
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2016
    We got the truck first. We knew we wanted a toy hauler, and one big enough to eventually full-time in.

    I got the truck that - at the time - had the greatest carrying and towing capacity. That meant that I could go to any RV dealership and tow anything on the lot. The truck wasn't a limiting factor.

    When we got our trailer, we were fine.
  • mabynack's avatar
    mabynack
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2016
    That's been my experience, too. I let my ex select the trailer and she always went with the biggest one I was rated to tow and I ended up buying a new truck. Then we got a new FW and I had to buy a new truck. Then we got a bigger FW and I had to buy a new truck. Then I divorced her.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2016
    For us, it didn't matter. We understood the weight ratings of both the vehicle and the 5er before we purchased anything. You can always buy the second either bigger and heavier to make the first purchase unwise.
  • DKRITTER's avatar
    DKRITTER
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2016
    If it was up to me I would pick the trailer first because of it's weight if you weren't sure what you wanted. You'll cross a couple of weight lines depending on the trailer.

    But if you know pretty close what the weight and configuration of the trailer is going to be it really doesn't matter.

    For me I already know my next trailer is going to require a different truck.
  • Alabama_Jim's avatar
    Alabama_Jim
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2016
    If you can't afford to buy both then buy the trailer to fit the TV. Otherwise, the suggestions above are great.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Oct 06, 2016
    RustyJC wrote:
    The best advice I ever got was to buy the truck for the NEXT 5th wheel - which will certainly be longer and heavier.

    Rusty


    You got that right! I bet our wives are cast from the same mould.
  • Nolan's avatar
    Nolan
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2016
    We bought the truck first. When we ordered the trailer the salesman asked what would the truck be pulling our trailer. I said, Kenworth T600. He smiled and said never mind that will do it. It has for over twelve years and counting. :B Same trailer too.
  • Coach-man's avatar
    Coach-man
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2016
    Going in first time, pick the RV that suits your needs, then shop for a TV! Some on this blog suggest buy a 350/3500 DRW, rated at the highest tow capacity you can find, you should be ok. But real life does not always work that way, you also need to buy a TV that suits your needs! Down the road, the next RV is a little more complicated, unless you have unlimited funds! You may have a big decision to make, perhaps you buy a smaller RV, or wait until you can afford a complete swap. Bigger is not always the best choice, good luck.
  • FireRob's avatar
    FireRob
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2016
    Just this week I got the new truck listed below in the sig line. Me and the wife know one day we want to change from our current TT to a FW. I had lots of equity in my truck and the trade in was great and was able to get the new truck cheaper than the old truck with smaller payments. Unfortunately I don't think I am in the same place with the trailer and will have to keep it another year or two before it gets traded in for a FW.

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